This 1973 ford Ranchero GT has been sitting since the 1980s. It is a largely unmolested and original survivor that would have offered excellent performance in its prime. The seller is unsure what is required to return the vehicle to a roadworthy state, but the dry climate has protected it from the ravages of rust. It also features some desirable options that should increase its appeal. The seller has listed the Ranchero for sale here on Craigslist in Snowflake, Arizona. The asking price of $4,200 could represent an affordable restoration project for the right person.

The first thing to consider with this Ranchero is its apparent lack of crippling rust problems. There’s plenty of surface corrosion that you might expect on a classic from a drier climate. However, penetrating rust appears limited to a small spot in one lower corner of the passenger door and one on the driver’s side roof pillar. If that proves to be the extent of the problems, that is welcome news for potential buyers. The White paint shows its age, and the body sport its share of dents and bruises, but none look horrendous enough to justify panel replacement. Most of the trim and chrome may respond positively to some careful work with a high-quality polish. The tinted glass looks okay, although I think the windshield might be cracked. The photos are inconclusive, so an in-person inspection would be a wise move to help confirm the points I’ve raised.

The Ranchero’s interior would benefit from a spot of TLC, but it is serviceable if the buyer wishes to retain the vehicle as an original survivor. There is some wear on the Blue vinyl upholstery on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, but the rest of the trim is remarkably well preserved for a car that has been exposed to punishing UV rays. The dash pad hasn’t escaped the torture, leaving the buyer with choices to make. The cheapest option would be to throw a cover over it and pretend the issue doesn’t exist. A cap would lighten their wallet by around $180, and good ones can look quite smart if installed correctly. The ultimate solution would be replacing the pad, but these can be difficult to locate and expensive. Depending on how badly they wish to achieve perfection will determine whether the new owner will be prepared to drop $850 on a replacement. The original owner liked their luxury touches. This GT features air conditioning, power windows, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a sports gauge cluster with a factory tachometer, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

Unfortunately, the seller supplies no engine photos for this Ranchero, but we receive some relevant information. Lifting the hood would reveal a numbers-matching 429ci V8, while the remaining drivetrain components include a three-speed automatic transmission, Limited Slip rear end, power steering, and power brakes. In its prime, that V8 would have pumped out 201hp. That would have been enough to launch this classic through the ¼ mile in 17.1 seconds. The seller indicates that the Ranchero hasn’t run since the 1980s, but not whether the engine turns freely. That is a question worth pursuing further because it could impact the financial viability of this project. They indicate an odometer reading of 61,000 miles, which they believe to be genuine. If the vehicle has lain idle as long as they say, that claim could be plausible.

Light pickups like this 1973 Ranchero GT don’t appeal to some people because they lack the sheer load-carrying capacity of vehicles like the F-Series. However, they remain an extremely versatile option and are almost always more comfortable than their larger siblings. Fully restored, this is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic if current market trends are an accurate indication. However, the V8 under the hood should ensure its value would easily top $20,000 once the new owner lays down their tools for the final time. Considering what it requires to reach that stage, it will almost certainly be a financially viable restoration for someone capable of performing many tasks themselves. Is that enough to convince you to pursue this GT further? If you do, I’m sure we’d all like to see the results once the vehicle returns to its former glory.